How did this happen?! Is it seriously almost the end of 2008? I'm afraid I've gone back to my old trick of putting the blinders on and trudging forward with whatever life throws at me, only keeping in touch with those that are right in front of my face. Sorry for the extreme neglect of my blog. I'm sure you can imagine the same sorry state of my personal journal. So anywhoo, where to begin? I guess I'll give the extremely shortened, highlights versi
on. It actually should be pretty short since we are really not all that interesting. I must mention, since I spoke of it in a previous post, that I did finally finish organizing my stupid file cabinet, and have even kept it organized these many months and kept the infernal piles at bay! Little Bella was extremely helpful with this process. This is hardly noteworthy news, but an accomplishment for me anyway.
on. It actually should be pretty short since we are really not all that interesting. I must mention, since I spoke of it in a previous post, that I did finally finish organizing my stupid file cabinet, and have even kept it organized these many months and kept the infernal piles at bay! Little Bella was extremely helpful with this process. This is hardly noteworthy news, but an accomplishment for me anyway. 
As far as the summer goes, it was mostly spent studying. I studied pretty much every night after work for the CNSC exam, which stands for Certified Nutrition Support Clinician. It is a test for doctors, nurses, and dietitians that certifies that you are specialized in IV nutrition and tube feedings, with all of the associated complications and management concerns. This is useful to me as I pretty much work exclusively in the ICU and it looks g
ood on a resume. Studying was tough, but I really learned a lot and it was all applicable to what I do every day. I got a few study breaks here and there with Ian's family visiting and of course a wonderful visit from my dear sister. The weekend with Jess was definitely my best weekend EVER! We had a blast. She treated me to way more than I 
deserved and we had so much fun just hanging together. We had a great laugh in the fancy hotel bathroom where you could actually see through the glass to the person next to you. If I had been doing my business next to anyone but my sister I would have been mighty uncomfortable!
ood on a resume. Studying was tough, but I really learned a lot and it was all applicable to what I do every day. I got a few study breaks here and there with Ian's family visiting and of course a wonderful visit from my dear sister. The weekend with Jess was definitely my best weekend EVER! We had a blast. She treated me to way more than I 
deserved and we had so much fun just hanging together. We had a great laugh in the fancy hotel bathroom where you could actually see through the glass to the person next to you. If I had been doing my business next to anyone but my sister I would have been mighty uncomfortable!So with visits and studying, that pretty much rounded out the summer. I took the actual test mid-September. Then I had to wait 6 weeks for my results. And the verdict was.......Ta Da!!! I Passed!!!! I actually did pretty well on the test and was super happy to be done with it. I'm now certified for five years. Yea!! So now I've been super busy at work and have actually been recently promoted to Lead Clinical Dietitian. It sounds more official than it really is, but it will provide some new opportunities and learning experiences for me. In fact, my manager will be leaving for maternity leave in a few months, and I will be filling in during her absence. I can't imagine how I'm going to fill her shoes, but I'm sure the experience of trying to do just that will be good for me. Now that I have a new position at work, I feel it is a good time to get some new work clothes. I asked Ian his opinion on the matter and he very wisely agreed that some new work clothes were definitely in order.
Other than that, there is really not much of interest to report. After my test, I've spent the months trying to catch back up on the rest of my life (obviously haven't caught up so well as you can tell by my blog). I made a long to-do list after my test that I'm afraid I'm still working on. The problem is I keep starting over on the first three items: clean, laundry, grocery shopping. I never seem to get to the rest of the list once I get home from work and get those things done! It is so darn frustrating! I love to imagine a day where I actually do everything I mean to, exercise, go to work, make dinner, practice violin, study scriptures, do some project around home--meanwhile keeping everything clean and laundry done and folded. Oh will there ever be such a day? I despair of it ever occurring. I'm afraid my motivation begins to dwindle about the time I hit the snooze button for the third time. Aaach! Save me from myself and my to-do list! Oh the frustration!
As for Ian, since I'm sure you're wondering, he is doing pretty well. He's still a bit underweight, but he's up over thirty pounds from his lowest, which is a huge improvement. He's still riding the same old roller coaster with health concerns, just different hills, but he manages well and is working full time and keeping very busy.
So now the official kick-off of holiday season begins and we're gearing up for the big Turkey day at our apartment. We are so grateful for the blessings we have, especially for each other and our families. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope you come back and visit the blog again. I'm determined to be a better correspondent! Love to all. I'm finally going to bed now. I've got stuff to do tomorrow....er today.